Thursday, May 17, 2012

Resaca re-enactment celebrates land buy

More than 1,000 re-enactors are expected at the Battle of Resaca in north Georgia this weekend (May 19-20), maneuvering near Civil War property that recently got a preservation boost.

The Civil War Trust, along with the Georgia Battlefields Association and the Friends of Resaca Battlefield, last month closed on the $153,000 purchase of 51 acres near Chitwood Farm, site of the re-enactment.

The parcel contains the site of the battery led by Capt. Max van den Corput, whose four guns were captured by the Federals on May 15, 1864. The Trust for Public Land was instrumental in the preservation.

The 28th annual event, hosted by the Georgia Division Reenactors Association, features battle re-enactments at 2 p.m. Saturday and Saturday.

"The spectator line is closer to the battles allowing spectators to better view the battles while seeing the smoke and hearing the thunder of history unfold," said event spokesman Ken Padgett.

On May 13-15, 1864, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s army and Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederate Army of Tennessee bloodied each other at Resaca. There was no clear winner. Sherman continued his march toward Atlanta, which he took several months later. ( Battle summary)

The fighting at Resaca demonstrated that the outnumbered Confederate army could only slow, but not stop, the advance of Union forces, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia.

The event is located on the historic Chitwood Farm just north of Resaca off U.S. 41.

Camps open to the public each day at 9 a.m. A Saturday memorial service and Sunday church service are planned. Period sutlers and food vendors will provide services.

Battle of Resaca. Admission: $5 adults, $2 children under 12, free for infants. Parking is free. The Gordon County Antique Engine and Tractor Club will provide free transportation from the spectator parking area to the battle site each day. Visitors are encouraged to bring portable chairs and dress for warm weather.